Apr 18, 2023 | Gardening, Science Outdoors
Sheds are very useful places. Most of us consider their value in relation to the storage of resources. This particular shed can be found at the Dearne Valley Old Moor RSPB Reserve. It demonstrates how you can add a few bits and pieces to create shelter, water,...
Apr 5, 2023 | Gardening, Nature Play & Learning
This blog post is about Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) sometimes called Jack-by-the-hedge. You can also forage for Wild Garlic ((Allium ursinum)) which is also found in many woodlands in spring time. More information and Wild Garlic recipes can be found on the...
Mar 29, 2023 | Early Years Outdoors, Gardening, Health & Wellbeing, Nature Play & Learning, Technologies
The one activity my son remembers from his nursery days was making nettle soup. He recalls the excitement of wearing tough gloves and not believing he wouldn’t be stung in the mouth when he ate the soup. Spring is the time of year for making nettle soup. Young...
Mar 28, 2023 | Gardening
When I advised schools and preschools about planters, containers and raised beds, I would do this from a practical learning and play perspective. There are some advantages to container planting: A well-loved and looked after planter, pot or container can transform the...
Mar 7, 2023 | Gardening, Nature Play & Learning, RME Outdoors
The daffodils are beginning to make an appearance in North-East Scotland. This beautiful plant is a welcome sign of spring’s arrival and a great opportunity to celebrate its old and new traditions and folklore. Here are some ways to enjoy and explore the beauty...
Feb 16, 2023 | Gardening, RME Outdoors, Social Subjects Outdoors
Whilst in Japan, I had the opportunity to visit several exquisite gardens. Japanese gardens have been influenced by the Shinto love of nature and the Buddhist idea of paradise. Most gardens appear to share a common aim of creating a microcosm. Elements such as water,...
Feb 5, 2023 | Gardening, Nature Play & Learning, RME Outdoors, Whole School
When the crocus appears, it’s a positive indication that spring is on its way. Snowdrop is the lead flower in letting us know that winter’s days are numbered. But crocus is the follower that affirms the decision of snowdrop to rear its head above the snow....
Jan 15, 2023 | Early Years Outdoors, Gardening, Technologies
There is an irony about travelling to Canada to attend a workshop to learn about a practice that stems from the British Isles. As part of the IPA Canada 2017 conference, Evergreen staff provided a more natural approach to the use of loose parts. Evergreen is a...
Jan 14, 2023 | Developing School Grounds & Outdoor Spaces, Gardening, Social Subjects Outdoors
I’m a big fan of willow structures in school grounds and outdoor spaces. In a previous post Clare Revera explained the benefits of these living sculptures. So you can imagine my excitement and delight when visiting The Coombes School, many years ago, I found...
Jan 12, 2023 | Early Years Outdoors, Gardening
This is blog post is co-written by myself and Clare Revera. She is a consultant and trainer who used work at Out to Learn Willow. This company specialises in training adults and children in the traditional craft of willow weaving, using dried and living willow. They...
Jan 9, 2023 | Early Years Outdoors, Gardening
I have previously blogged about RSPB Mersehead Reserve in Dumfries & Galloway and the accessible wildlife garden which took the art of container planting to a new height. This was not the only gem of a wildlife area. I found myself drooling over the spacious...
Jan 8, 2023 | Community Involvement, Gardening
Occasionally you come across a place where you can see a labour of love has happened. Many years ago the RSPB Mersehead Reserve had accessible wildlife garden. It was not a showy or pristine place. Functionality ruled. However there were subtle touches here and then...
Jan 4, 2023 | Early Years Outdoors, Gardening, Nature Play & Learning
The RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch is running again from 6th January until 20th February 2023. You can register to participate and download many free resources and advice about making this wonderful Citizen Science project a brilliant, direct learning experience...
Aug 24, 2022 | Early Years Outdoors, Gardening, Nature Play & Learning, Whole School
In late summer, wasps are growing woozy. Most don’t have much longer to live. The female wasps that have mated will leave the nest to hibernate over winter, so the social structure of the nest begins to go awry and the nest starts closing down for winter! At...
Aug 4, 2022 | Developing School Grounds & Outdoor Spaces, Gardening
Recently, I met up with a retired teaching friend who now volunteers with the G.R.O.W. Project at Inverness Botanic Garden. She kindly gave me a behind-the-scenes tour of the project which includes several poly tunnels and composting areas, tool sheds and other...
Jun 12, 2022 | Gardening, Science Outdoors, Technologies
When children go bug hunting, many often want to create homes for minibeasts. Any measures which improve the biodiversity of an outdoor space help. Creating a range of habitats will help attract more creatures into the grounds. In the photo above, this minibeast...
Jun 9, 2022 | Early Years Outdoors, Gardening, Science Outdoors
There is something about humans which makes us not only want to adapt and change our own habitats and homes, but that of other creatures. Generally, the more natural an environment the better it is for wildlife to flourish. Given that most school grounds are highly...
May 10, 2021 | Gardening, Science Outdoors, Technologies
I visit a lot of schools who like the idea of a compost bin and have one, but in terms of really using it, are a little unsure about what they are doing. The trick is to prepare in advance. Composting is not a spur-of-the-moment activity for a supply teacher....
Oct 11, 2017 | Developing School Grounds & Outdoor Spaces, Early Years Outdoors, Gardening
Back in 2011 a couple of my blog posts featured Westpark School Nursery in Aberdeen – the ones about masking tape and blue tarp on a windy day. At that time, the outdoor space was sparse – an expanse of asphalt, a patch of blue wet pour surfacing in one...
Jun 20, 2017 | Early Years Outdoors, Gardening, Literacy Outdoors
Many years ago, I had a quick stop-over in Penrith en route south. It’s always a bit of a mad dash but I needed a leg stretch and to catch a few Pokemon, so I toddled off around the town centre. Whilst going down a side street, I stumbled across a community...
